The 500e is propelled by Fiat's e-Drive, a three-phase electric motor good for 83kW, fed by a 24kWh lithium-ion battery secreted under the boot floor.

Fiat claims a range of 130km from a full charge but also reckons you'll be able to squeeze 160km out of it in city driving.

The baby 500e has had a trip to the wind tunnel, resulting in new bodywork, side mirrors, spoiler, flush-fitting wheels and a underbody panels. Fiat says it has reduced drag by 13 percent over the regular 500 city car.

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The chassis has also had some attention, with increased spring rates and re-tuned power steering, along with improvements in bending stiffness.

Buyers will be able to choose between five colours, including the lurid Electrico Arancione (Electric Orange), and there's a modest range of wheel optionsavailable.

Inside there's two screens, a seven-inch circular screen for the instruments and a 4.3-inch infotainment system, including a TomTom sat-nav and Fiat's Blue&Me hands-free.

Customers can specify Nero or Steam interior trims, but both have orange accents to remind you you're in an electric 500.